Bolton Castle Near Leyburn

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Enjoy the Ultimate Medieval Experience at Bolton Castle where you will find a raft of sights, sounds and smells which bring this stunning Yorkshire castle to life and make for a truly memorable visit.

Now one of the country's best preserved medieval castles, Bolton was originally built, by Sir Richard Le Scrope, to rival the finest and most luxurious homes in the land. Completed in 1399, its scars bear testament to over 600 years of fascinating history including involvement in the Pilgrimage of Grace, Mary Queen of Scot's imprisonment and a Civil War siege.

Further Details

Bolton Castle was a luxurious family home as well as a defensive fortress and, despite being partially "slighted" by Cromwell's men during the Civil War, the Castle is preserved in outstanding condition with many interesting rooms and features to discover including the Old Kitchens, Dungeon, Solar, Nursery, Armory, Great Chamber and Mary Queen of Scots' bedroom. About one third of the rooms are fully intact and the rest of the Castle is almost completely accessible giving visitors great insight into its turbulent past.

You will find a raft of sights, sounds and smells which bring the castle to life and make for a truly memorable visit. There is something for everyone to enjoy as you discover what life was really like during the Castle's heyday through our authentic room displays, wonderful falconry experience, archery demonstrations, children's trails and costumes and hands on medieval games and activities.

Daily Activities

11.30: Bird of Prey Display

13.45: Archery Display

15.00: Bird of Prey Display

16.00: Wild Boar Feeding Time

Tea RoomSituated in the beautiful and atmospheric Guest Hall, our tea room serves a selection of homemade and locally produced hot meals, soups, sandwiches, snacks and freshly baked cakes.Experience a friendly welcome and excellent service in the castle's impressive Guest Hall, where visitors have enjoyed hospitality for over six hundred years.

Gardens The Castle gardens have been restored along medieval lines and include a well-stocked herb garden, rose garden, walled vineyard, bowling green and maze as well as the birds of prey on their weathering ground and our bee observation hive (seasonal). Children will love finding the centre of the maze or trying our Garden activity trails.

Opening Times

Open Daily from 14th February to 1st November 2015, 10am-5pm (Except Feb, March and October when castle closes at 4pm). Please note we will close on occasional weekend dates during the season due to weddings. Please see our website for details.

Address

Nr Leyburn, DL8 4ET

Directions

The Castle is 6 miles west of Leyburn just off the A684 and is sign posted from Wensley, Carperby and Redmire. There are walking trails from nearby Redmire Station, Carperby and Aysgarth Falls.